⚡ LATEST UPDATE: Yoshinobu Yamamoto’s unexpected choice beyond MLB catches everyone off guard, turning a quiet day into a full-blown frenzy ⚡.NL
The Los Angeles Dodgers are heading into 2026 as back-to-back World Series champions, looking to extend their dominance and further solidify their dynasty.
A major factor in their success last October was the performance of Japanese pitcher Yoshinobu Yamamoto, who delivered one of the most memorable postseason performances in recent history.
The right-hander posted a 5–1 record with a 1.45 ERA and 33 strikeouts across six appearances in the 2025 MLB playoffs. His efforts earned him his first World Series MVP award and his second World Series ring.
It is safe to say Yamamoto’s 12-year, $325 million contract, signed before the 2024 season, has already proven to be a bargain for the Dodgers.
As Yamamoto enters the offseason, one of the biggest storylines has been whether he would participate for Japan in the World Baseball Classic. Yamamoto logged a heavy workload all year as the Dodgers leaned on him throughout the regular season and into Game 7 of the Fall Classic.
According to Yahoo News Topics, Yamamoto has decided to represent his country on the international stage at the World Baseball Classic. He was a key member of the Japanese team that won the 2023 WBC, earning a gold medal alongside teammates Shohei Ohtani and Roki Sasaki. Now he will get the chance to do it again.
The Dodgers will likely continue to monitor Yamamoto’s workload after he returns, but his participation in the tournament will not affect his availability for the 2026 regular season, as the event is scheduled from March 5 to March 17.
Yamamoto had the best regular season of his two-year Dodgers tenure in 2025, complementing his postseason dominance. The 27-year-old made 30 starts, going 12–8 with a 2.49 ERA. He struck out 201 batters in 173 2/3 innings and earned the first All-Star selection of his MLB career, along with a third-place finish in National League Cy Young Award voting.
Yamamoto’s dominance stems not only from his unhittable splitter, which drops late and leaves hitters guessing, but also from the poise he shows in the biggest moments. His commitment to the Dodgers has been evident since his arrival, with teammates praising his preparation and focus.
During the marathon 18-inning Game 3 of the World Series, he was seen warming up in the bullpen, underscoring his willingness to do whatever it takes to help Los Angeles win. After the WBC, Yamamoto’s focus will shift back to Los Angeles and the chase for a three-peat.
